Skin reactions to jewelry? Know why!

Skin reactions can manifest in various ways depending on the cause and severity. Notwithstanding, here are some common types of skin reactions :

Rash: A rash appears as a cluster or group of red, itchy or swollen bumps on the skin. Additionally, symptoms like fever or joint pain may accompany the rash.

Hives: Hives are raised, red, and itchy welts on the skin.

Eczema: Eczema causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. It is often chronic.

Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis usually presents with redness, itching, and sometimes blisters or swelling.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin that can be itchy and painful.

What causes skin reactions

Skin reactions can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Allergens: Allergies to certain foods, medications, or other substances can trigger conditions such as hives and rashes.

Irritants: Contact with irritants such as harsh chemicals, soaps, detergents, or fragrances can cause skin reactions.

Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause rashes, blisters, and pus-filled bumps.

Sun exposure: Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn, rashes, and even skin cancer.

Genetics: Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea usually have a genetic basis.

Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus will present with a rash. Also, scleroderma causes a chronic tightening and hardening of the skin.

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause skin reactions such as acne, hives, and rashes.

Is stress also a culprit?

Yes, stress is . Stress affects different organs in the body and the skin being the largest of them all, is not spared. This is because, stress triggers the release of various hormones and chemicals in the body which affect the skin’s appearance and health.

Stress can cause or worsen skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, hives, and dermatitis. In addition, stress can lead to hair loss and premature aging of the skin.

It is able to do all of these by :

Triggering inflammation: This happens, via the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing inflammation of the skin.

Disrupting the skin barrier: Once it disrupts the skin barrier, the skin becomes more vulnerable to external irritants, allergens, and bacteria.

Affecting sebum production: Stress can increase sebum production, leading to oily skin and acne.

Altering the immune system: It triggers immune reactions by making the system more reactive to allergens. Consequently , the body produces more histamines, which causes itching and rashes.

Therefore, it is ideal to manage stress by practising stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, exercise to mention a few.

The basis of skin reactions to jewelry

Skin reactions to certain jewelry are often caused by an allergic reaction to certain metals or other materials used in the jewelry. The most common types of metal allergies are to nickel, cobalt, and chromium, which are often found in jewelry.

When a person with a metal allergy comes into contact with these metals, their immune system reacts by releasing those pro-inflammatory chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. This causes the redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blistering of the skin.

Other materials used in jewelry that can produce the same effects include certain types of plastics, dyes, and adhesives. It’s also possible for skin reactions to occur as a result of friction between the jewelry and the skin, which can cause irritation.

It’s important to note that not everyone will have a skin reaction to these materials, as everyone’s skin is different. Additionally, some people may develop an allergy to a certain material over time, even if they’ve worn it without issue in the past.

How to treat

The treatment regimen depends on the underlying cause and severity of the reaction. However, some general measures can help alleviate skin reactions:

Identify and remove the trigger: Identify the cause of the reaction and try to remove it. For example, if you have a reaction to a new skin product, stop using it.

Clean the affected area: Wash the affected area with mild soap and water to remove any irritants.

Apply a cool compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack to the affected area to reduce inflammation and itching.

Apply over-the-counter creams: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, calamine lotion, or antihistamines can help relieve itching and swelling.

Avoid scratching: Avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area, as this can lead to further irritation and even infection.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

See a doctor: If your skin reaction is severe or persists for more than a few days, see a doctor.

Recommended : Your urine color and your health.

Till next time,

Stay healthy!